Voice From Alumni
Dr. Sunil Babu Shrestha
- From
- Kathmandu
- Degree
- Doctoral Degree in Environmental Development Engineering, Osaka Sangyo University (OSU)
Message
Please give a short introduction about yourself.
Hello! I am Sunil Babu Shrestha from Kathmandu, Capital City of Nepal. During my Master’s degree in Urban Planning in the Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University of Nepal, I got an opportunity to do research in Osaka Sangyo University (OSU) under student exchange program for six months in 1999. After successful completion of research study in OSU, I returned to Nepal and completed my Master’s degree from Tribhuvan University. Again, I was able to join OSU as a research student for six month and then admitted for Doctoral Degree in 2001 both under Japanese Government’s (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) scholarship. I completed Doctoral Degree in Environmental Development Engineering with dissertation entitled “A sustainable city planning methodology for 21st Century (Concept of Food Green City). Then, I came back to Nepal in 2004. I worked twice for Government of Nepal as a Member of National Planning Commission and currently I have been working as the Vice- Chancellor of Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST).
Receiving Doctor of Engineering Certificate from President of University at Graduation Ceremony in 2004
What is your favorite thing about Daito-shi in Osaka?
Daito-shi is a place away from the crowd but not very far from the three major cities of Japan -Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. It is a peaceful place with good living environment and comfortable weather condition. People are very friendly and it has many opportunities for engaging in social interaction locally.
In what ways has your impression of Daito-shi in Osaka/Japan changed since coming here?
Prior to my visit there I used to think Daito-shi is a crowded city of Osaka. But, after reaching there, I realized that it is a small and beautiful place surrounded by friendly people. I was also amazed by harmonious combination of culture and modern technology.
Standing near the Main Building of Osaka Sangyo University
What attracted you to choose Osaka Sangyo University as a place to study?
I had an interest in studying Urban Environment using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Osaka Sangyo University has Environmental Design Department providing such kind of study. It was the motivating factor in choosing this university. And my study interest perfectly matched with the interest of my respected supervisor, Professor Okinori Taniguchi. This is why I was attracted to choose Osaka Sangyo University for my Doctoral Degree.
What attracted you to work in a current position after studying in Japan? In what ways, do you like your work?
My current position as the Vice-Chancellor of Nepal Academy of Science (NAST), an apex body of Science and Technology of the country, is a prestigious position as I was appointed by the Right Honorable Prime Minister of the country, who is also the chancellor of NAST. Vice-Chancellor is the executive head for the operation of activities of NAST that ranges from promotion of science and technology in the country to conducting research and development in the field of science and technology. It provides me an opportunity to drive science and technology sector involving entire scientific community of the country. During my study in Japan, I had deeply observed the prosperity of Japan, which is based on the development of science and technology. With that impression also I thought that this is my opportunity to contribute for promoting science, technology and innovation and connecting it with the prosperity of the country. This is why I was attracted to work in the current position.
Please give a message to students or researchers in your home country who may be contemplating studying in Japan?
Japan was the first choice for Nepalese Students as eight students were sent to Japan for the study of science and technology by the government of Nepal in 1902. Since then there is increasing trend of Nepalese students and researchers going to Japan for study. My experiences also suggest that Japan is one of the best destinations for the study in the field of science and technology. I highly recommend the students or researchers to study in the field and science and technology in Japanese institutions. Japan is very safe country to live in and Professors and staff of university are very supportive. One can learn not only his/her subject matter but also gets ample opportunity to learn from the Japanese society and the people for how to shape one’s life and country. It can be seen how prosperity has been achieved in Japan maintaining balance between modernization and preservation of culture. Learning the language of the land is always an added advantage for foreign students, I suggest every prospective candidate of Japanese universities to learn the Japanese Language also to take the maximum advantage.